What is the first step to preparing for medication administration?

The first step in preparing for medication administration involves ensuring proper hygiene and safety protocols, which is effectively achieved by washing your hands and putting on gloves. This action is fundamental to prevent infections and maintain a sterile environment for both the healthcare provider and the patient. Following this practice helps to minimize the risk of contamination that could lead to complications or infections during the medication administration process.

While reading medication instructions, reviewing the client’s history, and gathering medication supplies are also important steps in the overall medication administration process, they come after ensuring that the healthcare provider is following essential safety and hygiene protocols, which are vital for effective patient care. Prioritizing hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) establishes a safe foundation for further actions involved in medication delivery.